Let’s just say that Dude and I have led an eventful life together so far, filled with layoffs, thousands of miles of U-Haul truck moves and drastic career changes. We are definitely wired for change… although, not by choice.
Eight years ago, we both took on positions in a Christian non-profit organization where our salaries were completely dependent on donations. Although it was definitely out of our comfort zone, we were absolutely sure about this decision and we were committed for the long haul. The confirmations of our decision were clear: our gifts and passions were leveraged in our roles, our donation funded salaries were almost always at 100% and our jobs offered great flexibility. For the first time since we were married, we moved from chaos to stability. We were comfortable in our roles and excelled at our work.
After spending the last four years as a stay-at-home mom, I went back to work in January for a just a couple of hours a day. The plan was to increase my hours in September when the kids were in full-time school, from part-time hours to almost full-time. The job was flexible and I could work from home and still drop off and pick up the kids.
Like anyone else, Dude experienced frustrating times at work and in February, he had it. He was done. However, instead of giving notice and just leaving, he was graciously offered a time of discernment to make a decision. In the end, it was clear that he wasn’t leaving because of the job, organization or people. He was simply being called, by God, somewhere else. It was time to move on.
The thing was… there was no job waiting for him on the other side and no leads, just the unknown.
I was pretty sure about staying at our organization, even up to the day Dude gave his notice. Someone had to work, pay the bills and take care of the family. I didn’t mind being that person.
But about a week afterwards, it became apparent to me that I was to leave too. Of course many concerns immediately came to mind: How are we going to take care of our family? How are we going to pay our bills? We can’t both NOT be working. But the bottom line was, it was time to go and we were no longer passionate about our work. So, I gave my 2 weeks notice and that was that.
Some of you must be thinking this move as irresponsible, foolish… even crazy. No worries, we often think the same thing.
Our journey has been an exciting one and God has orchestrated many experiences that are not “normal”. We have hopes and dreams of owning our own house, being successful in our work, providing all the lessons the kids want so that they grow up well-rounded and so on. And we know there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But we are not looking for that next “job” that pays the bills and that can offer all those things. God has been very clear that our plan A, B or C is not His plan at all, period. If it were so, we would have packed our bags and moved to the United States.
The day after Dude’s last day of work, he was messaging with a friend (let’s call him John) from the US and told him that he had quit and had nothing lined up. John was really intrigued by this decision, going on to say that he’d never do the same thing. It’d be too scary a decision to make.
John then tells him that he just created a position at work and was looking for someone to fill it. Perhaps, Dude should apply for it. Since he was the hiring manager, the offer was practically on the table. Dude’s first thought was, “Wow, this is awesome! This is the answer! No waiting… easy button… BAM!”
This job would have taken care of all our hopes and desires: a six figure income, our own home, nice things, I would be able to continue staying at home… and adventure.
Dude spent the next two weeks working on his resume and talking to John about the job. Dude and I talked and dreamed lots about this possible adventure. However, our time in prayer, reading the Bible and conversations with others revealed a different path. He was reminded of his “life” verse:
[quote]So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ~2 Corinthians 4:18[/quote]
Dude graciously declined the offer and told John this: “In the last 7 years, God has changed me, moulded me into the person I am today, with the passions and gifts I know now. If I take this job, I would erase much of who I’ve become. It would just be a job, passionless.”
We believe that this was not a lost opportunity. Instead, it was an assurance from God that there would be opportunities. This was just one of them.
Where are we now, you ask? This is what we know. We know where our talents, skills and passions lie. So… we are building on that.
Without trying to sound too airy fairy… We’re trying to live by faith… to be dependent on God and to trust in His promises.
[quote]For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11[/quote]
Have you ever wanted to step out of your comfort zone and what would you do?
*Photo taken with iPhone 4
Wow, you are definitely on an adventure. Thanks for sharing – it’s good to hear how things are going for you!
Thanks, Kristin! Looking forward to all God has in store.
Thanks, Kristin! Never a dull moment. 😉
ah Flo – life is an adventure even when things are seemingly secure. God has a very unique and challenging way of helping us refocus, retool and reawaken our trust in Him. I certainly wish you the best and pray that God will lead you a step at a time. Keep following!
Thanks, Bernice! Appreciate your comments. God is indeed good all the time! Hope you are well. Thanks for praying.
Thanks for sharing, flo! God’s plan is amazing and He knows exactly what we need and don’t need.
Thanks, Vivian! Well said! Hope you and your family are well!
1st time listener, 1st time caller.
I feel ya! Still wondering where that job/passion-outlet will be for me. But I admit I like adventures. 🙂
LOL! Thanks, Enos! Adventures are awesome! Hope all is well with you & Shirley.
Hey Flo
Thanks for sharing your story. It definitely is a new way of life – living by faith. Yet don’t be discouraged – you are so not alone!
I recall when I was in China, 2 years ago, at a local ‘church’ and asking people what how long they planned to stay, future plans, etc. No exaggeration, almost every one of them without fail said – ‘I don’t know. I just know God called me here and I’m here until He calls me out.’ It was so refreshing to know that day that I was not alone – that others were literally walking by faith. And it was not uncommon to see young families, leave their comfortable US homes, to relocate into a foreign land, where they did not speak the language, (and with terrible foreign air!).. simply because they felt God call them out!
I’m glad to hear that you both know your skills and are focusing on developing them! I’m sure that one day ahead, all the pieces will fit together! Until then, it’s really taking it a day at a time.
But know that you are in good company 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing, Moses! Glad to know that you too are living by faith. God does incredible things with those who are faithful, available and teachable. May God continue to bless your journey as you obey His calling!
Hi Flo!
You wont believe it but I had this whole thing written out for you and then I clicked something on my phone and poof all gone! So I decided to write it somewhere safe first.
What a story of commitment, courage, and staying true to what some would call foolish uncertainty but for you and Dan is a calling towards something greater.
It is great to read that the two of you are not willing to change who you truly are for a future that may seem certain – which at times is not really fully certain. It is great to read that you are both staying true towards achieving your passion, for that is something that many never get to find out or fulfill.
I am not much of a religious person, but wholeheartedly respect and admire people that have faith in something that can help them through hard times. Help people know that God has a path towards hope and a future. Something that a lot of people in times of need do not get.
I am close to finishing school, but my plan of going straight to law school has changed. I am going to be taking a year off, due to some side tracks/obstacles. At the moment I am even questioning whether this is a path I want to pursue, a career I want to take on. There is just the question lingering that as of right now don’t have an answer to. There is a quote that I have stuck to and lived by which says ” to live the questions that rest unanswered within one’s heart” (not exact but close… Ha! ) right now I am just focused on the present, wandering in hope for an answer of the future.
Thank you for sharing the story, Flo! It gives me hope that the wandering toward an uncertain future is not a bad thing, but a path filled with opportunities and a final destination.
Best wishes,
Jorge
Hey Jorge!
So glad you found your way here. BTW, the post below from BB is for you.
For us, our faith in a God who love us, is more than religion. It’s not about following rules and regulations which many religions preach. But living a life filled with God’s love and His Spirit which transforms us to be more like Him. But it’s not easy as we are all human and have many faults.
We are placed here on earth for a purpose. If you have time and are interested, give “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren a read. It just seems like you’re at a crossroad in your life and this may give you direction.
On a more practical note, I applaud you for taking time off to discover what to do with the rest of your life. What’s worse than investing another 3 years into something you may not be passionate about?
I hope you find what you’re looking for, Jorge. Thank you for taking the time to share your life with me.
Blessings,
Flo
Hi Flo!
Glad to hear back from you and thank you very much for your response!
I also understand and see what you mean. It is not just about religion, but more about having a connection with God and trying to get yourself close to Him and being an overall better person. But like you said, it is definitely not easy.
I feel that we all have a purpose, as well. Just that for some it is harder to find. I will definitely, when I can, give that book you suggested a read.
You are definitely right, I wouldn’t want to invest three years into something that in the long run I would hate doing.
Thank you, Flo! Not only for sharing a part of your life through this story, but also willing to take in a part of mine.
Best wishes
Jorge
This is for Jorge – not sure if he will see this. Jorge follow your passion! I have two grown sons; the oldest in NYC is a corporate lawyer – that’s a hard life. The other lives in LA, he is following his passion, as is his wife – who is a free lance photographer. They seem to be much happier. Of course the are each different types of men. Lawyer is type A and LA son is so much more laid back. But the reason I’m writing us that being a big time corporate lawyer is NOT all it’s cracked up to be. Big pay off – but long hours & it seems to always infringe in holiday/family time. Don’t hurry into it – the lawyer son (who turns 40 this year), even thinks there could be something different he might want to pursue. But caught in the rat race of nig house, cars etc. BB
Hello BB,
Thank you for your response, greatly appreciate it.
I have been told multiple times that being a lawyer is not what people make it, etc. I totally understand that and that is why I think I am glad I am holding back on jumping straight into. Getting my mind clear on if this is what I want to do. The only thing is that I really don’t have an alternative thing to fall back on. I really don’t know what else I would like doing as something professional. I guess that is what my year off will hopefully help me find out. Thank you once again for your response and insight. I will definitely try to find my passion and follow it.
Jorge
Hi, Flo I have no idea what plans god have for me. I sometimes feel like I have nothing to offer. I have 2 kids not married. I know I do not want to live with my mother who apparently does not want us to be there. I know I want to move out of Florida and to a new state. Where I can start over as new I feel lost.